Pregnancy self-care calendar: early days

Start as you mean to go on...

Indulge your desire to pamper. Set aside one night a week and treat yourself to a bit of "me" time. Light some candles and relax in a warm bath with a couple of drops of essential oil. Moisturise thoroughly afterwards to complete your pampering experience.

Finally, switch off your phone and wind down with one of your favourite films or TV shows.

Why don't you and your partner book a romantic weekend away? Make the most of your time together alone before sharing the news with family and friends.

However, if you’re feeling nauseous, romance may be the last thing on your mind. Your baby is developing rapidly at this stage and is growing more quickly than at any other time during your pregnancy. So rest when you can and make sure your partner takes good care of you.

Note your thoughts whenever the urge takes you. Alternatively, buy yourself a lovely new notebook and pen. Writing down how you're feeling can be very therapeutic and satisfying. Your completed diary will be a special keepsake to remind you of your pregnancy in the years ahead.

Pregnancy self-care calendar: week 5

Have a massage

If you're suffering from morning sickness, headaches or are feeling tense and worried, ask your partner for a neck and shoulder massage. If your budget allows, treat yourself to a pampering session at a salon. Be sure to tell your therapist that you're pregnant, as some therapies aren't suitable for the first trimester.

Enjoy early nights

Like most newly pregnant women, you’re probably feeling very tired. Get an early night when you can. Even if you can't sleep until later in the evening, do your best to unwind. Relax and browse the baby products and pregnancy clothes you want on your wishlist. Or check out our baby name finder.

Pregnancy self-care calendar: week 6

Go for a long walk in the fresh air

Although early pregnancy is tiring, being active and exercising moderately at this stage will:

Pregnancy self-care calendar: week 7

Have a laugh

Finding out you’re expecting is an exciting time, but it can bring pregnancy worries too. Book tickets for a comedy night or show that you’ve been intending to see for ages. It's amazing how seeing friends and having a good laugh can relieve tension. It can help distract you from any worries too!

Eat well

Check out our having-a-baby diet and get yourself into good eating habits at this early stage in your pregnancy. See our trimester-by-trimester meal planners for dishes that give you and your baby the nutrients you need. If you’re feeling sick or tired, remember to eat little and often and sip plenty of water.

Pregnancy self-care calendar: week 8

Buy some pretty lingerie

Your breasts might be growing fast and feeling tender or sore. It's a good time to invest in a new bra. A proper fitting in a department store will enable you to find the ideal size for maximum comfort. The extensive range of pretty and sexy pregnancy lingerie with matching bra and briefs will ensure you look, as well as feel, great.

Read our article on whether it's all right to wear underwired bras during pregnancy.

Use a face pack

If those pesky hormones are giving you spots, cheer up your skin with a home facial. Steam bathe your face, then follow with an exfoliator and face pack. It will leave you feeling smooth, refreshed and pampered. If you're feeling indulgent and have time, book yourself in for a professional facial.

Pregnancy self-care calendar: week 9

Get active!You might be feeling exhausted this week, and struggling through a normal day at the office may seem a marathon feat. Taking moderate exercise though, can help boost your energy. Check out our fitness during pregnancy section for safe ways to promote your muscle tone, strength and stamina.

Book a holiday

Your second trimester will be a great time to go on holiday. Why not book a break now for later on in pregnancy? By then, your energy levels will have increased, and, if you're feeling nauseous, it should have eased by then. Go to our travel section for more.

Pregnancy self-care calendar: week 10

Buy new shoes

Your feet may be feeling tired or puffy, and high heels just aren't helping. Shop around for a pair of elegant, flatter-heeled shoes. Ballet-style pumps come in a variety of colours and look great with skirts, trousers or jeans. Snuggly suede boots are equally versatile.

Tips:

Look for shoes with grips on their soles. You're much less likely to slip over if it's wet or muddy.

Natural materials, as opposed to synthetic, will allow your feet to breathe.

Buy footwear in the afternoon. Shoes that you wear in the morning might not feel comfortable later in the day, if your feet are prone to swelling.

Pregnancy self-care calendar: week 11

Look round a gallery or a museum, go shopping, visit a spa, have lunch - whatever you want! It doesn't have to be expensive, just make sure it's something that you'll all enjoy and remember.

Don't overdo it, though. Try to sit down every couple of hours and keep your energy levels up with a healthy snack.

Go for a swim

Swimming is great in pregnancy. It exercises your arms and legs, works your heart and lungs and allows you to feel weightless in the water. Many pools also offer water aerobic classes to pregnant women.

Pregnancy self-care calendar: week 12

Love yourself!

As your body adjusts to its new role as mum-to-be, you might find yourself gaining weight, your breasts swelling and your shape changing. Try to embrace your new curves. Play up that cleavage, enjoy your more fulsome shape and choose outfits that make the most of your new fuller, sexier outline.

One BabyCentre mum believes that "looking as good as you can, always makes you feel better and encourages nice comments from other people, which in turn makes you feel great".

That's true. But all women need to find their own ways of feeling strong and confident during pregnancy. If spending time in front of the make-up mirror isn’t for you, find other ways to give yourself a boost. Read our article on how to feel good about your pregnant body.

Use a deep-conditioning hair treatment

Hair can change quite dramatically during pregnancy. You may find yours is becoming stronger or thicker. Give your tresses a treat this week with a deep conditioner. Apply it after your normal shampoo, comb through your hair and leave for a few minutes, or as long as directed on the packet. Rinse thoroughly and admire the glossy results.

Pregnancy self-care calendar: week 13

Get into some new music

Download the music you’ve been wanting for ages, and create a pregnancy playlist. It will be a reminder of this special time once your baby’s born.

Have a mini makeover

You may find that your skin changes during pregnancy. It may become drier, oilier or more sensitive. Why not order those new beauty products you’ve been intending to try? Or pop into the cosmetic floor of a department store and have a complimentary makeover. You’ll be extra pampered if you tell them you’re pregnant. You might just get some inspiration to change your beauty routine or ideas for a new look.

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Comments

My baby never slept well (especially through the night) until I started using the website TiredBaby.org - that website has been by far one of the best things I've ever got my hands on to get him to fall asleep quickly. Best time is 45 seconds from awake to asleep! Can’t imagine life without it! I heard about it through a kindergarten teacher who uses it to put to sleep a group of 30 children. Check it out! TiredBaby.org

I’m surprised to see have a massage on week 5. I’m a sports therapist and qualified in pregnancy massage. I advise against massage in the first trimester and I don’t know if any therapists who do massage in the first trimester. It has made me question the validity of some of the other information too??

Just can't feel good enough about anything as I am suffering through a financial crisis.. Don't knw how to cope up with all these tensions... Really worried as it's my first pregnancy and I want it to be as healthy and happy as possible :(

hi! i am 8weeks pregnant, i really suffer from a huge morning sickness. sometimes i cry cos i I'll feel something that i had naver,fill in my entire life .but sometimes i feel a little bit better, please i need some advice .

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